Inspiring a New Generation

Posted on the 27 July 2019

A North East graduate has been inspired to teach the next
generation of scientists, after battling dyslexia and despite being estranged
from her family from a young age.

Keiran Cull, 22, graduated with her degree in BSc Physiological
Sciences at the University of Sunderland, and this September will begin
training as a science teacher. Keiran has pursued her studies despite a
difficult childhood and a life spent independent from her family.

She says: “My dad died when I was fourteen, and my mum’s mental
health declined and she became an alcoholic. She decided she didn’t want a
relationship with me or the rest of the family.

“At college I had to support myself financially, and worked full
time at a care home, often doing 12 hour shifts on a weekend to pay my rent.”

With the support of her sister Keiran came to a University open
day, and she immediately decided Sunderland was right for her.

“I knew the University had a good science department, so choosing
Sunderland was easy for me. Though my time here has been a
rollercoaster of emotions, the support I have received has been amazing.”

While studying Keiran received support with her dyslexia, but
struggled financially in her first year, unaware that help was available, but a
phone call to the University’s dedicated Estranged Student Support Team changed
everything. Keiran received the University’s We Care Scholarship, which, from
September, offers £2,000 a year, as well as one-to-one support, for care
experienced young people.

“Having the financial support is very important, but the thing
that really matters to me is having someone there offering me support,” says
Keiran. “Having someone to talk to is so important to me. Knowing that there’s
someone there when I feel down, or I’m doubting myself, or I’m struggling with
work, it means everything to me."

Now Keiran is planning the return to Sunderland in September to
train as a teacher on the PGCE Science and Biology course.

Keiran adds: “I chose to come to university because I always
thought I could do more. I was always told I couldn’t, but I want to prove I’m
intelligent, though people have told me all my life that I’m not. I’m here, and
I’m still going.